How to choose health insurance in Germany in 2025: public vs private
Planning an exchange in Germany involves several important decisions, and one of the most crucial is choosing the right health insurance. We will explore the key differences between the public and private system, helping you make the best choice for your academic journey. The German healthcare system is renowned worldwide for its excellence, and understanding its peculiarities is fundamental to a smooth experience in the country.
Why is health insurance mandatory in Germany?
For study and work in Germany, having health insurance is not optional - it is a fundamental and indispensable legal requirement. Along with Blocked account, Health insurance is one of the most important documents for obtaining your student visa and ensuring your enrollment in German educational institutions. This requirement exists to protect both students and the local health system, ensuring that everyone has access to adequate medical care during their stay.
The German healthcare system is recognized worldwide for its efficiency and quality, offering comprehensive coverage that goes far beyond basic care. Unlike other countries, Germany does not accept regular travel insurance as a substitute for regular health insurance. The lack of adequate health insurance can result in serious problems, from the impossibility of enrolling to the cancellation of the visa, in addition to possible fines and the obligation to return to the country of origin.
How does a blocked account work and its relationship with health insurance
O Blocked account and health insurance form the basis of financial and medical security for international students in Germany. While the blocked account ensures that you have sufficient resources for your maintenance in the country (minimum of €11,904 per year in 2025), health insurance ensures that unexpected medical expenses will not compromise those resources. It is essential to include the cost of health insurance in your financial planning in addition to the minimum amount required in the blocked account.
The process of opening a blocked account and contracting health insurance must be carried out in a coordinated manner, as both are interdependent requirements for a student visa. German authorities require you to demonstrate that you have both financial resources and adequate medical coverage before approving your stay in the country. In 2025, it is possible to start both processes digitally, significantly simplifying the preparation for their exchange.
Types of health insurance available in Germany
The German system offers two main types of health insurance, each with specific characteristics to meet different profiles of international students. The choice between public (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung - GKV) and private (Private Krankenversicherung - PKV) insurance will depend on several factors, including your age, length of the exchange, and specific health needs.
Public insurance is generally the most recommended option for students up to 30 years old, offering comprehensive coverage for a fixed monthly fee of approximately €120. This modality provides access to an extensive network of doctors and hospitals throughout Germany, in addition to including dependents at no additional cost. Private insurance, which is mandatory for students over 30 years of age, offers greater flexibility in the choice of coverage and doctors, with prices that vary according to the insured's profile.
Public Insurance (GKV) Details
German public insurance is renowned for its comprehensiveness and simplicity. By opting for GKV, you have access to a full package of medical services without the need for significant additional payments. Coverage includes:
- Unlimited medical appointments with general practitioners and specialists
- Hospital admissions in shared rooms
- Basic and preventive dental treatments
- Prescription drugs (with a small co-pay fee)
- Laboratory and imaging tests
- Emergency treatments across the European Union
- Prevention programs and annual check-ups
- Psychological assistance when necessary
One of the greatest advantages of the public system is the predictability of costs. The monthly amount is fixed and does not vary depending on usage or pre-existing conditions. In addition, the membership process is simplified, with no need for prior medical examinations.
Characteristics of private insurance (PKV)
Private insurance offers greater flexibility and some specific advantages, especially for those who require specialized treatments. Key features include:
- Monthly amounts starting at €34.50 (depending on the coverage chosen)
- Possibility to choose specific doctors
- Priority service in appointments and procedures
- Private room option for hospitalizations
- Tailored coverage according to individual needs
- Reimbursement of medical expenses
- Possibility to include additional covers
- More comprehensive international validity
However, it is important to consider that private insurance generally requires prior health analysis and may have restrictions for pre-existing conditions. The reimbursement system also requires that you pay the expenses initially and request reimbursement later.
Exclusive partnership with Barmer
To Barmer, One of the biggest German public insurers with more than 8 million insured persons, it offers special conditions for Brazilian students through a partnership with Be Easy. In 2025, unique benefits include:
- Dedicated service in Portuguese and English
- Exclusive application for insurance management and appointment scheduling
- 24-hour telemedicine system with multilingual doctors
- Rewards program that can return up to €150 a year
- Assistance in locating Portuguese-speaking doctors
- Simplified membership process for Brazilian students
- Personalized support throughout the term of the insurance
- Complete documentation for visa and enrollment processes
The partnership also includes expert advice from Be Easy throughout the hiring process, ensuring that you have full support from choosing the plan to using the services in Germany.
Protect your health in Germany! Contact Be Easy and get full support to purchase your Barmer insurance. 🇩🇪
Partnership with Educare
For students who need private insurance, in 2025 Be Easy established a strategic partnership with Educate, one of the most respected insurance companies in the segment. This partnership offers conditions specially developed for the student profile:
- Highly competitive prices starting at €34.50 per month
- 100% online hiring with documentation in Portuguese
- Coverage without deductible or co-participation
- Accepted by all German immigration authorities
- Perfect for pre-university periods and language courses
- Coverage for COVID-19 and other infectious diseases
- 24-hour assistance in Portuguese
- Possibility to extend insurance as needed
Educare's differential lies in the simplicity of the process and the clarity of the coverage offered, making it an excellent option for those seeking security with flexibility.
How to choose the best insurance for your profile
Choosing the ideal insurance depends on several factors that need to be carefully analyzed:
- Determining factors:
- Your current age
- Planned duration of the exchange
- Type of course or program
- Pre-existing health conditions
- Available budget
- Essential Questions:
- Are you under 30?
- Do you plan to bring dependents?
- Do you need specific treatments?
- Do you want to travel frequently in Europe?
- Do you have a preference for private doctors?
- Required documentation:
- Valid passport
- Proof of enrollment or acceptance from the institution
- Proof of residence in Germany
- Medical history (for private insurance)
- German bank details
Practical tips for use
To make the most of your health insurance in Germany, follow these important recommendations:
- Get a full check-up before you travel
- Always keep your insurance card with you
- Learn basic medical terms in German
- Identify hospitals near your home
- Save emergency numbers on your cell phone
- Make digital copies of all documentation
- Download the insurance company's apps
- Keep your registration details up to date
Be Easy
A Be Easy offers full support when choosing and contracting your health insurance in Germany. Through our exclusive partnerships with Barmer and Educare, we guarantee the best conditions and all necessary support during your exchange experience. Contact us today and discover how we can help you fulfill your dream of studying in Germany safely and with peace of mind.
